Greetings to the old timers who remember me. Also, it’s nice to meet those with whom I haven’t interacted before. For the information of those who’ve come since I left, I believe I have 5,000+ posts as xxmikexx. As an earlier incarnation, mikeymcc, I had an additional 6,000+ as I recall. (Translation: I’ve been around the FS block several times since starting out here as a lurker in 1998.)

I hope that this post and its successors will inspire others to stay with the hobby, and to use the hobby as a vehicle for personal growth just as I did years ago. The additional posts I hope to be allowed to make will cover some of that ground – will help you get started down paths you never dreamed you might ever hope to get involved with.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Earlier today I made my first FS flight in almost two years. Why now? Because I needed inspiration. I needed to see whether I would still be interested in doing something I used to do, which is to write on a laptop while flying on a tower machine. (Getting ahead of myself the answer turned out to be yes. So, I’m going to exhibit write-and-flight syndrome, if you will.)

You see, I’m a writer now, full time. Not yet successful, not being paid by anyone, but a writer nonetheless. I’ve begun the first of what I expect to be a series of four novels to be published electronically, probably through Amazon. With good luck the novels will appear about six months apart. With bad luck they’ll be more like a year apart. I’ve also repurposed my personal website, http://www.lexonaut.com. I’m now a wannabe political columnist, and three of the four novels will be a direct outgrowth of this new activity. (The fourth is an idea of my wife’s, something she’s been urging me to write for at least ten years. I wasn’t ready before this. I’m ready now but it’s number two on my priority list.)

So … While during the mid-2000s FS was the central focus of my life outside work, recently it has played no part at all in my life, and even now the revived interest will be but a footnote to my self-imposed writing responsibilities. (Translation: I'll do some flying but my hobbyist career as an aircraft customizer is over. I'm a writer now, not an airframe mechanic or panel designer.)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

My flight today was a relatively short one, about 350 nm, Denver International to Salt Lake City International. It was in FS2004 because I have, literally, thousands of dollars invested in it in the form of payware addons – aircraft, utilities, scenery, etc etc etc ad nauseam. I was, in a word, rusty. Very rusty. Yet I hand flew all of the instrument departure that I"ve invented for this trip, and I hand flew most of the instrument approach. My only real foulup was landing alongside the runway instead of on it. (The passengers were uninjured, by the way. I wish I could say the same for my pride.)

The aircraft I used was my custom 727-223 ADV, a heavily modified version of the Eric Cantu 727, originally built for FS2004 but now available for FSX, as I recall. I’ve extensively modified the Charles Fox FDE that is included in the Cantu FS2004 package, these issues to be discussed at a later date. It literally took me years to make all the changes and additions that I wanted. However, getting into panel.cfg and aircraft.cfg changes is much easier than you perhaps have been thinking. In a future post I’ll discuss how, for example, to install a manual panel lights switch in the default 737, the switch coming from one of the default Cessna aircraft, I forget which one.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

My aircraft, my rules, my goals. One of the things I wanted was an authentic steam gauges era analog flight director instrument. Perhaps things are different now but the only source of such a gauge five years ago was the CaptainSim line of historic aircraft. However, to get the CS FD to work requires that the CS version of the Sperry SP-50 autopilot be installed. This creates an issue as discussed in the next paragraph.

The panel is almost entirely home-grown in terms of layout. Scratch it deeply enough and you’ll find the Richard Probst 727 steam gauges panel available through HJG. However, years ago I modified the Probst panel C code to a) eliminate some irritating bugs of long standing, and to b ) make the simulated Sperry SP-50 autopilot behave the way I want it to behave, which is my choice of AP control of roll with manual control of pitch, or AP control of pitch with manual control of roll, or full automation in NAV or HDG modes. For reasons I’ve never bothered to chase down, my 727 requires that both the CaptainSim and modified Probst autopilots be installed and operating in parallel. They interact in complex ways but I developed an AP mode entry checklist sequence for avoiding the problems.

I also used a couple of gauges from the Dreamfleet 727, which is a fine aircraft in its own right, just not the aircraft I want. Finally, I equipped my 727 with the Reality XP weather radar and terrain avoidance gauges.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

In addition to the things mentioned above I use the following software in my FS2004 setup. In no particular order we have …

Manuel’s Airport Chart Viewer
ActiveSky
Ultimate Traffic
FlightSim Commander
Contrails Pro
FsDiscover
Ground Environment 2006
Night Environment
PerfectSky
MyWaterProject
AiSmooth
FsStrComm
FsRealTime
FsPause

Over time I expect to tell you why I use each of these things. Whether they’re available for FSX I cannot say. Returning to the panel and FDE, my customization efforts have given me a 727-200 with the following features …

true analog FD
dual VOR
dual ADF (both units are operational)
terrain avoidance gauge
weather radar
Garmin 430 GPS
autothrottle (it was in fact available from Boeing as original equipment regardless of what you may have heard)
transcontinental range (Heathrow to LAX against the wind, with the proper FAA-mandated fuel reserve)
realistic flaps lift/drag ratios and associated power settings
wind gauge
fuel quantity gauge
fuel flow gauge
taxi gauge (modified by me)
custom minipanel to replace landing view

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

So … That’s my FS life in a nutshell. For practice I fly either Denver to Salt Lake City or Denver to LAX. When I need a break from routine I invent long flights and plan them using FlightSimCommander. My most recent long flight – the one I made almost two years ago – was Munich to Capetown. I’ve done Miami to Point Barrow (Alaska), Tierra del Fuego to … um … I think it was Seattle … and so on.

For aircraft variety I do such offbeat things as flying my SR-71 on a dead reckoning flight from Denver to LAX. (If you don’t start putting the brakes on at Las Vegas you’re going to find yourself way offshore before you get slowed down, with no way to orient yourself other than by the INS, which would be cheating.) At other times I'll fly the default Jet Ranger. (And while I haven't checked in a while, I'm fairly sure that I got the FS2000 default Concorde running on FS2004.)

Few people are going to want to go to the extremes that I have, but some people may get ideas and some determination to bring those ideas to fruition.

All this was also posted yesterday, right?

All this was also posted yesterday, right?

Yes.  I'm making it easy for the mods to delete the other thread without impacting the good things this new thread might do for the Avsim FS community.

 

All this was also posted yesterday, right?

 

Yes.  I'm making it easy for the mods to delete the other thread without impacting the good things this new thread might do for the Avsim FS community.

 

Mike, I don't want to sound rude but how does making a thread about how you sim at home, bring good things to the AVSIM FS community? I've read your thread probably 3 times now and all I see is you talking about how you go about flightsimming at home. Nothing groundbreaking there, TBH.

 

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Can you share your Mods? Maybe offer up some of the changes you have made? If they truly are good, then that WILL indeed benefit the community.

Can you share your Mods? Maybe offer up some of the changes you have made? If they truly are good, then that WILL indeed benefit the community.

Of course I can share my mods.  Let's start with me posting my panel.cfg below.  (I'll put up a main panel screenshot after I figure out how to do it.) The panel.cfg is very complex but a long journey can begin with a simple question, so ask me anything.

 

I will note that the panel.cfg file started life as the CaptainSim 727 panel for FS2004.  I don't make use of their virtual cockpit but I do call out many of the guages used in their virtual cockpit.

 

Note too that extensive use is made of the Probst panel gauges, but mostly for my custom minipanel.  The main panel does use the Probst ASI and autothrottle switches, however, and maybe some other stuff too.  It's been a long time since I looked at this file so I don't immediately recall much of what's in it.

[Window Titles]
Window00=Main Panel
Window01=Icons Panel
Window02=Radio Panel
Window03=Autopilot Panel
Window04=Engine Panel
Window05=APU Panel
Window06=GPS Panel
Window07=Flaps Panel
Window08=Voice Panel
Window09=Mini Panel
Window10=Reality XP DropStack
Window11=Reality XP Wx500 Radar - RXP_CONFIG_TOOL - DO NOT CHANGE
Window12=Reality XP ST3400 TAWS - RXP_CONFIG_TOOL - DO NOT CHANGE
Window13=Reality XP 430 GPS - RXP_CONFIG_TOOL - DO NOT CHANGE
Window14=Reality XP GNS GMAGTX - RXP_CONFIG_TOOL - DO NOT CHANGE
Window15=Reality XP 430 GPS - RXP_CONFIG_TOOL - DO NOT CHANGE
Window16=A/P Server - do not close!
window17=Main Panel Custom Overlay

Fixed Window30=Overhead Panel
Fixed Window33=SO Panel

[VIEWS]
VIEW_FORWARD_WINDOWS=MAIN_PANEL,RADIO_STACK_PANEL,60,115
VIEW_FORWARD_ZOOM=0.8
VIEW_FORWARD_DIR=1.0,0.0,0.0
VIEW_DOWN_WINDOWS=30,80,115
VIEW_REAR_RIGHT_WINDOWS=33,85,115
VIEW_DOWN_ZOOM=1.0
VIEW_DOWN_DIR=-30.0,0.0,30.0
VIEW_REAR_RIGHT_ZOOM=0.8
VIEW_REAR_RIGHT_DIR=0.0,0.0,120.0



[Window00]
//file=bg.bmp
background_color=0,0,0
size_mm=1024,768
window_size_ratio=1.00   
position=7
visible=1
ident=MAIN_PANEL
render_3d_window=1
window_size= 1.000, 1.000
window_pos= 0.000, 0.000
gauge00=b727.common.pro!Bg,490,0,5,5
gauge01=b727.common.pro!BgMain,490,0,5,5
gauge02=b727.main!Main,  0,0,1024,768
gauge03=b727.common.pro!Main,500,0,5,5,2004
;
gauge04=Rp727_2!asi,                       677, 600,  90,  90



[Window01]
;;;;;size_mm=42,189
;;;;;position=6
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=1
;;;;;ident=115
;;;;;gauge00=b727.common.pro!IconsVcOh,0,0,42,189
;
size_mm=1024,768
position=0
background_color=0,0,0
visible=1
ident=115
gauge00=b727.common.pro!IconsVcOh,0,660,42,105



[Window02]
;;;;;size_mm=228,713
;;;;;position=8
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=RADIO_STACK_PANEL
;;;;;gauge00=b727.common.pro!Bg,10,5,5,5
;;;;;gauge01=b727.common.pro!BgRadio,10,5,5,5
;;;;;gauge02=b727.radio!Radio,0,0,228,713
;;;;;gauge03=b727.common.pro!Radio,0,0,5,5,2004
;
size_mm=1024,768
position=0
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
zorder=10
ident=RADIO_STACK_PANEL
;;;;;gauge00=b727.common.pro!Bg,                  10,   5,   5,   5
;;;;;gauge01=b727.common.pro!BgRadio,             10,   5,   5,   5
;;;;;gauge02=b727.radio!Radio,                   885,  55, 140, 480
;;;;;gauge03=b727.common.pro!Radio,                0,   0,   5,   5, 2004
;;;;;gauge04=Z_DC6KM!RADIO_STACK,               -380, 576, 530,  84
;;;;;gauge05=Z_DC6KMTG!ADF,                       70, 579,  75,  75
;
;;;;;gauge00=b727.vc!Adi,                       65, 390, 175, 195
gauge00=b727.vc!Adi,                        0, 200, 190, 212



[Window03]
;;;;;size_mm=228,57
;;;;;position=2
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=60
;;;;;gauge00=b727.common.pro!Bg,10,5,5,5
;;;;;gauge01=b727.common.pro!BgAp,10,5,5,5
;;;;;gauge02=b727.ap!Panel,0,0,228,57
;;;;;gauge03=b727.common.pro!Ap,0,0,5,5,2004
;
size_mm=1024,768
position=7
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
ident=60
;
;   The material below can be moved to window 09 to bolt it to the
;   minipanel.
;
gauge00=Rp727_2!rmi,                        50, 135, 125, 130
gauge01=Z_DC6KMTG!ADF,                      63, 265, 100, 100
gauge02=RealityXP_SANTAWS!ST3400,          175, 153, 113, 115
gauge03=RKG_fuelstat!FuelStatusSq_turbine, 472, 150, 100,  40
gauge04=RKG_speed!TAS_GS_S,                585, 150, 85,  25
;
gauge05=RealityXP_WX500!RDR,               695, 155, 115, 115
gauge06=Rp727_2!timer,                     820, 190,  85,  95
gauge07=Rp727_2!epr_1,                     820, 290,  85,  90
gauge08=DF727NJ1!SURF,                     935, 290,  80,  80



[Window04]
;
;     There is no icon for this window.  It must be called up from
;     the FS Views/InstrumentPanel menu, item Engine Panel.  Given
;     that when needed it's likely to want to remain up for an entire
;     phase of a flight, we trigger the englarged CS ADI from here.
;
;;;;;size_mm=141,570
;;;;;position=2
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=80
;;;;;nomenu=1
;;;;;gauge00=b727.engine!Main,0,0,141,570
;
size_mm=1024,768
position=0
background_color=0,0,0
visible=1
zorder=10
gauge00=b727.common.pro!Bg,                  10,   5,   5,   5
gauge01=b727.common.pro!BgRadio,             10,   5,   5,   5
gauge02=b727.radio!Radio,                   885,  55, 140, 480
gauge03=b727.common.pro!Radio,                0,   0,   5,   5, 2004
;
gauge04=Z_DC6KM!RADIO_STACK,               -380, 576, 530,  84
gauge05=Z_DC6KMTG!ADF,                       70, 579,  75,  75





[Window05]
;;;;;size_mm=224,688
;;;;;position=2
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=85
;;;;;nomenu=0
;;;;;render_3d_window=0
;;;;;gauge00=b727.common.pro!Bg,10,10,5,5
;;;;;gauge01=b727.common.pro!BgApu,10,10,5,5
;;;;;gauge02=b727.apu!Main,0,0,224,688
;;;;;gauge03=b727.common.pro!Apu,0,0,5,5,2004
size_mm=1024,768
position=6
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
ident=85
nomenu=0
render_3d_window=0



[Window06]
;;;;;size_mm=150,250
;;;;;position=7
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=GPS_PANEL
;;;;;gauge00=gps!gps,0,0,150,250
;
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;size_mm=250,375
;;;;;position=8
;;;;;visible=0
;
size_mm=1024,768
position=0
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
ident=GPS_PANEL
zorder=10
;;;;;gauge00=ezgpsv4!ezgpsv4,778,222,249,313
;;;;;gauge00=ezgpsv4!ezgpsv4, 0, 335, 235, 238
;;;;;gauge00=ezgpsv4!ezgpsv4, 0, 385, 235, 290
gauge00=ezgpsv4!ezgpsv4,778,287,249,420



[Window07]
;;;;;size_mm=125,202
;;;;;position=8
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=86
;;;;;gauge00=b727.flaps!Main,0,0,125,202
;;;;;size_mm=224,688
;
;;;;;size_mm=350,688
;;;;;position=0
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=86
;;;;;zorder=10
;;;;;nomenu=0
;;;;;render_3d_window=0
;
size_mm=228,143
position=8
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
ident=86
gauge00=b727.common.pro!VoicePanel,0,0,228,143,2004



[Window08]
;;;;;size_mm=228,143
;;;;;position=8
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=130
;;;;;gauge00=b727.common.pro!VoicePanel,0,0,228,143,2004
;
size_mm=1024,768
position=0
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
ident=130
;;;;;gauge00=b727.vc!Adi,                       105,  15, 180, 200
;;;;;gauge00=b727.vc!Adi,                        20, 370, 190, 212
gauge00=b727.vc!Adi,                       105, -10, 180, 200




[Window09]
position=9
size_mm=1050,700
child_3d=1
background_color=0,0,0
ident=MINIPANEL
visible=1
gauge00=b727.common.pro!IconsVcOh,          10, 140,  42, 189
;
gauge01=Rp727_2!asi,                         0,  10, 125, 133
gauge02=Rp727_2!adi,                       113,  15, 150, 150
gauge03=Rp727_2!hsi,                       250,  15, 160, 143
gauge04=Rp727_2!ra,                        405,  15,  45, 115

gauge05=Rp727_2!dme2,                      290, 150,  77,  23
gauge06=windspeed3_mp,                     390, 151, 100,  80
gauge08=Rp727_2!ap_client,                 820, 170, 100,  25
gauge09=Rp727_2!autothrottle,              820, 140,  80,  35

gauge10=Rp727_2!altimeter,                 455,  25, 110, 115
gauge11=Rp727_2!vsi_tcas,                  570,  25, 110, 115
gauge12=Rp727_2!ff_1,                      690,  20, 125, 125
gauge13=Rp727_2!throttles,                 800,  25, 122, 122
gauge14=Rp727_2!throttles2,                800,  25,  85, 113
gauge15=Rp727_2!flap_out,                  935,  25,  80,  80
;
gauge16=Rp727_2!toggle_auto_taxi,          950, 110,  50,  50
gauge17=Rp727_2!toggle_trim,               950, 170,  50,  45
gauge18=DF727NJ1!GEARL,                    950, 220,  50,  50
;
;;;;;gauge19=Rp727_2!gpws,                        1,   1,   1,   1



[Window10]
position=0
window_size=0.078125,0.039063
visible=1
ident=15000
gauge00=RealityXP_Stack!Stack,0,0,100,100



[Window11]
;;;;;window_pos=0.180,0.000
;;;;;window_size=0.200,0.255
window_pos=0.177,0.000
window_size=0.200,0.256
visible=0
ident=15500
gauge00=RealityXP_WX500!RDR,0,0,100,100



[Window12]
window_pos=0.000,0.000
window_size=0.180,0.255
visible=0
ident=13400
gauge00=RealityXP_SANTAWS!ST3400,0,0,100,100



[Window13]
;;;;;window_pos=0.511719,0.000000
;;;;;window_size=0.488281,0.273438
;
;;;;;window_pos=0.080,0.030
window_pos=0.000,0.252
window_size=0.570,0.319
visible=0
zorder=15
ident=15431
gauge00=RealityXP_FL430XP!GNS430,  0,0,100,100



[Window14]
window_pos=0.511719,0.613281
window_size=0.488281,0.386719
visible=0
ident=15327
gauge00=RealityXP_FL430XP!GMA340,0,0,100,33.670033
gauge01=RealityXP_FL430XP!GTX327,0,33.670033,100,44.107744
gauge02=Bendix_King_Radio!Bendix-King Radio ADF,0,77.777777,50,22.222222
gauge03=Bendix_King_Radio!Bendix-King Radio AP,50,77.777777,50,22.222222



[Window15]
;;;;;window_pos=0.511719,0.000000
;;;;;window_size=0.488281,0.273438
window_pos=0.000,0.570
window_size=0.327,0.185
visible=1
zorder=15
ident=15432
gauge00=RealityXP_FL430XP!GNS430,  0,0,100,100



[Window16]
size_mm=2,2
BACKGROUND_COLOR=16,16,16
window_size_ratio=1.000  
position=0
visible=1
ident=540
gauge00=Rp727_2!ap_server, 0, 0, 2, 2



[Window17]
size_mm=1024,768
position=7
background_color=0,0,0
visible=1
ident=Main Panel Custom Overlay
;;;;;gauge00=windspeed3_mp,                     815,  60,  65
gauge00=windspeed3_mp,                     805, 100,  65,  65
gauge01=RKG_speed!TAS_GS_S,                810,   8, 105,  46
gauge02=RKG_fuelstat!FuelStatusSq_turbine, 902,   8, 125,  50
gauge03=b727.vc!GearLamp,                  650, 680,  25,  25
gauge04=Rp727_2!toggle_auto_taxi,          650, 561,  25,  25
gauge05=Rp727_2!toggle_trim,               650, 588,  25,  25
;
gauge06=RealityXP_WX500!RDR,               681, 390,  86,  80
gauge07=RealityXP_SANTAWS!ST3400,          683, 518,  82,  84
gauge08=Rp727_2!autothrottle,              690, 690,  60,  30
;
gauge09=Rp727_2!ff_1,                      775, 642,  45,  45
gauge10=Rp727_2!ff_1,                      830, 642,  45,  45
gauge11=Rp727_2!ff_1,                      883, 640,  45,  45
;
;
gauge12=Rp727_2!epr_1,                     935, 610,  90,  95
gauge13=Rp727_2!flap_out,                  935, 535,  82,  82
gauge14=DF727NJ1!SURF,                     560, 575,  85,  85
gauge15=Rp727_2!ff_1,                      935, 685,  82,  82
;
;
gauge16=b727.common.pro!Bg,                 10,   5,   5,   5
gauge17=b727.common.pro!BgAp,               10,   5,   5,   5
gauge18=b727.ap!Panel,                      41, 660, 205,  55
gauge19=b727.common.pro!Ap,                  0,   0,   5,   5, 2004
gauge20=Rp727_2!ap_client,                  41, 715, 205,  50
gauge21=Z_DC6KMTG!ADF,                      70, 579,  75,  75
gauge22=FP_307_OAT!Davtron307_OAT_9,       800, 55,  85,  40
gauge23=YLF50_Gross_Weight,                660, 715, 105,  55
;
;;;;;gauge24=Rp727_2!gpws,                        1,   1,   1,   1



[Fixed Window30]
;;;;;background_color=0,0,0
;;;;;size_mm=1024,768
;;;;;window_size_ratio=1.00   
;;;;;position=4
;;;;;visible=0
;;;;;ident=30
;;;;;render_3d_window=1
;;;;;nomenu=0
;;;;;window_size= 1.000, 1.000
;;;;;window_pos= 0.000, 0.000
;;;;;gauge00=b727.common.pro!Bg,10,5,5,5
;;;;;gauge01=b727.common.pro!BgOh,10,5,5,5
;;;;;gauge02=b727.overhead!Main, 0,0,1024,768
;;;;;gauge03=b727.common.pro!Overhead,0,0,5,5,2004
;
file=UP.bmp
size_mm=1024,768
position=0
visible=0
nomenu=0
render_3d_window=1
ident=30
gauge00=rp727_2!overhead,                 20, 110, 984
gauge01=rp727_2!toggle_overhead2_close, 1005,   0, 19, 19



[Fixed Window33]
background_color=0,0,0
file=lights.bmp
size_mm=1024,150
;;;;;window_size_ratio=1.00   
position=0
visible=0
ident=33
;;;;;render_3d_window=1
nomenu=0
;;;;;window_size= 1.000, 1.000
;;;;;window_pos= 0.000, 0.000
;;;;;gauge00=b727.common.pro!Bg,10,5,5,5
;;;;;gauge01=b727.common.pro!BgSo,10,5,5,5
;;;;;gauge02=b727.second!Main, 0,0,1024,768
;;;;;gauge03=b727.common.pro!Second,0,0,5,5,2004
;
gauge00=Rp727_2!lights, 0, 0, 1001


[VCockpit01]
size_mm=1024,1024
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_0
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
gauge00=b727.common.pro!Main, 40,349,5,5,2004
gauge01=b727.vc!Mach, 52, 352,149,143
gauge02=b727.vc!Adi, 430, 322,201,210
gauge03=b727.vc!Asi, 213, 334,188,188
gauge04=b727.vc!Alt, 672, 345,166,181
gauge05=b727.vc!Alt2, 846, 519,176,184
gauge06=b727.vc!RadioAlt, 852, 337, 167,167
gauge07=b727.vc!Clock, 38, 535,170,150
gauge08=b727.vc!Rmi, 215, 530,173,173
gauge09=b727.vc!Hsi, 426, 565, 211,239
gauge10=b727.vc!Vsi, 677, 536,150,150
gauge11=b727.vc!Dme,703, 740,118,43,
gauge12=b727.vc!FmaLamp,750, 178,105,140,
gauge13=b727.vc!MdaLamp,692, 274,34,34
gauge14=b727.vc!AltAlertLamp,889, 284,48,22
gauge15=b727.vc!BelowGsLamp,573, 243,38,24,
gauge16=b727.vc!PullupLamp,525, 243,38,27,
gauge17=b727.vc!ComparatorLamp,438,245,67,30,
gauge18=b727.vc!ApLamp,337, 269,38,38
gauge19=b727.vc!WindshearLamp,912, 745,44,25,1
gauge20=b727.vc!WindshearLamp,912, 777,44,25,2


[VCockpit02]
size_mm=1024,1024
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_1
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
gauge00=b727.vc!Adi2, 131, 414,206,251
gauge01=b727.vc!PressR1, 333, 250,120,125
gauge02=b727.vc!N11, 333, 375,106,111
gauge03=b727.vc!Egt1, 334, 489,104,108
gauge04=b727.vc!N21, 333, 602,105,107
gauge05=b727.vc!FFlow1, 333, 712,107,109
gauge06=b727.vc!PressR2, 445, 250,120,125
gauge07=b727.vc!N12, 444, 375,106,111
gauge08=b727.vc!Egt2, 445, 489,102,105
gauge09=b727.vc!N22, 444, 602,105,107
gauge10=b727.vc!FFlow2, 445, 712,106,109
gauge11=b727.vc!PressR3, 559, 250,120,125
gauge12=b727.vc!N13, 555, 375,106,111
gauge13=b727.vc!Egt3, 557, 489,102,105
gauge14=b727.vc!N23, 555, 602,105,107
gauge15=b727.vc!FFlow3, 556, 712,106,109
gauge17=b727.vc!Flaps, 692, 493,98,105,1
gauge18=b727.vc!Flaps, 691, 605,98,105,2
gauge19=b727.vc!ReverseLamp,    372, 217,    61,31,1    
gauge20=b727.vc!ReverseLamp,    478, 217,    61,31,2    
gauge21=b727.vc!ReverseLamp,    585, 217,    61,31,3    
gauge22=b727.vc!ApAlt,        173, 347,    120,42,
gauge23=b727.vc!MarkerLamp1,    88, 395,42,42    
gauge24=b727.vc!MarkerLamp2,    88, 442,42,42
gauge25=b727.vc!MarkerLamp3,    88, 480,42,42    
gauge26=b727.vc!RudderPos,    155, 645,    147,147
gauge27=b727.vc!GearLamp,        713, 204,    105,100
gauge28=b727.vc!LampTestSwitch,    191, 211,    50,60,
gauge29=b727.vc!MarkerVolSwitch,    83, 305,    50,60,
gauge30=b727.vc!OilLamp,        700, 721,    45,45,1
gauge31=b727.vc!OilLamp,        742, 723,    45,45,2
gauge32=b727.vc!OilLamp,        788, 723,    45,45,3
gauge33=b727.vc!FlapsLamp,793, 577,    47,28,1    
gauge34=b727.vc!FlapsLamp,    793, 603,    47,28,2
gauge35=b727.vc!WarningLamp,    794, 317,    50,87
gauge36=b727.vc!StabElevLamp,    91, 669,34,34,1
gauge37=b727.vc!StabElevLamp,    91, 744,34,34,2


[VCockpit03]
size_mm=1024,1024
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_2
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
gauge00=b727.vc!Mach, 20, 346,149,143
gauge01=b727.common.pro!Main, 8,343,5,5
gauge02=b727.vc!Adi, 398, 316,201,210
gauge03=b727.vc!Asi, 183, 325,188,188
gauge04=b727.vc!Alt, 638, 339,164,181
gauge05=b727.vc!RadioAlt, 820, 333, 167,167
gauge06=b727.vc!Clock, 8, 527,172,152
gauge07=b727.vc!Rmi, 189, 524,173,173
gauge08=b727.vc!Hsi, 394, 559, 211,239
gauge09=b727.vc!Vsi, 645, 530,150,150
gauge10=b727.vc!HydBrake,142, 711,107,110
gauge11=b727.vc!PneumBrake,18, 705,110,112
gauge12=b727.vc!Oat,34, 150,105,105


[VCockpit04]
size_mm=1024,1024
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_3
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
;;;;;gauge00=b727.vc!ApPanel,        205, 405,    130,260
gauge01=b727.vc!WheelWellLamp,    338, 406,    44,110


[VCockpit05]
size_mm=1024,1024
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_4
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
gauge00=b727.vc!Radar,        397, 420,    225,190
gauge01=b727.vc!RadioAdf1,        78, 324,    272,135
gauge02=b727.vc!RadioAdf2,        670, 373,    273,135
gauge03=b727.vc!RadioAtc,        670, 510,    273,115
gauge04=b727.common.pro!Radio,    600,500,5,5


[VCockpit06]
size_mm=512,512
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_5
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
gauge00=b727.common.pro!Overhead, 290, 150, 5,5,2004
gauge01=b727.vc!OHLamp, 232,53,48 ,148
gauge00=b727.vc!Overhead,310,50,102,421


[VCockpit07]
size_mm=1024,1024
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_6
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
gauge00=b727.vc!RadioNav1,     73, 135, 471, 140
gauge01=b727.vc!RadioNav2,    545, 135, 471, 140    
gauge02=b727.vc!RadioVoice,      73, 401, 472, 201
gauge03=b727.vc!RadioVoice,     547, 401, 472, 201


[VCockpit08]
size_mm=512,512
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_7
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
//gauge00=b727.vc!So2,20, -5,500,580


[VCockpit09]
size_mm=512,512
pixel_size=1024,1024
texture=$panel_8
background_color=0,0,0
visible=0
//gauge00=b727.vc!So1, 6, -5,500,303    


[Color]
;;;;;Day=255,255,255
;;;;;Night=4,4,4
;;;;;Luminous=128,0,0
Day=128,128,128
Night=32,32,32
Luminous=70,70,70


[Default View]
X=0
Y=0
SIZE_X=8191
SIZE_Y=4267
 

Folks,

 

Kindly give me till early tomorrow afternoon to get the panel screen shots up.  I want to host the image files (and my avatar!) on my own website so they'll persist past the Avsim 120-day limit.  However, I don't want to just slap them upstairs on Lexonaut.com.  I want to include them in my daily site update cycle, and tonight's is an unrelated complex site edit that will take me well into the wee hours of GMT -7 and then on into Sunday morning after I get some sleep.

 

As we get into it I'll repost key small sections of the full panel.cfg given above.  This will make it easier to talk about how the various effects/tricks are achieved.

 

Thanks in advance for your patience.

I cut my teeth on Bruce Artwick's ATP.

 

Do you still maintain contact with S.H.?

Do you still maintain contact with S.H.?

No.  I chatted with him briefly about five years ago, for the first time since he had been banned by the Other Site, which must have been ten years ago, I suppose.  He was as prickly as ever and we clashed immediately in spite of our former closeness.

 

That said, I like him because I have a soft spot in my heart for rebels who speak no bs, being one myself.  I like Francois, too.  How the two of them get along is beyond me.  Perhaps Francois also respects straight up rebels.

 

 

He was as prickly as ever and we clashed immediately in spite of our former closeness.

 

We must not be referring to the same S. H. ?????

We must not be referring to the same S. H. ?????

Perhaps not -- I'm going to let the matter drop.

 

Anyway, I've got the screen shots I want prepared for integration with my site.  They're jpegs of size about 1000x690.  Is that too large for most people?

 

EDIT:  In the meantime I might as well put up the aircraft.cfg for my custom 727-200.  We'll be discussing that as well ...

 

 

 
[fltsim.0]


;
;     The following is for compatibility with the large Cantu 727-200 compilation
;     package.  It causes the PSA livery to masquerade as the Air Canada variation.
;     Because it says sim=B727200_VL it is compatible with the old saved flights.
;
title=Boeing 727-200 Air Canada
sim=B727200_VL
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=psa
kb_checklists=
kb_reference=
atc_id=8856E
atc_heavy=0
atc_airline=psa
atc_flight_number=722
ui_manufacturer=Boeing
ui_type="727-200"
ui_variation="PSA"


;
;     The following is the pure PSA variation, incompatible with the old saved
;     727-200 flights and incompatible with the Cantu compilation package.
;
;;;;;title=Boeing 727-200 PSA
;;;;;sim=B727200_VL
;;;;;model=
;;;;;panel=
;;;;;sound=
;;;;;texture=psa
;;;;;kb_checklists=
;;;;;kb_reference=
;;;;;atc_id=8856E
;;;;;atc_heavy=0
;;;;;atc_airline=psa
;;;;;atc_flight_number=722
;;;;;ui_manufacturer=Boeing
;;;;;ui_type="727-200"
;;;;;ui_variation="PSA"


;
;     The following is for use with Air Hauler, to fake it into thinking that
;     our 727-200 is the FS default Learjet 45 ...
;
;;;;;title=Learjet 45
;;;;;sim=B727200_VL
;;;;;model=
;;;;;panel=
;;;;;sound=
;;;;;texture=psa
;;;;;kb_checklists=
;;;;;kb_reference=
;;;;;atc_id=8856E
;;;;;atc_heavy=0
;;;;;atc_airline=psa
;;;;;atc_flight_number=722
;;;;;ui_manufacturer=Bombardier
;;;;;ui_type="Learjet 45"
;;;;;ui_variation="PSA"







description=The Boeing 727 is the second most successful commercial jet airliner ever built. A total of 1,831 were built between 1963 and 1984\n3x JT8D-17R's at 16,400 lbs thrust\nFS2004 FDE for FFX\/VistaLiner Models\nCopyright: November 2004 Charles Fox\nNote added by Mike McCarthy: Airframe by Erick Cantu.  Panel by Richard Probst with bug fixes and conditionally compiled changes by me.  FDE by Charles Fox with changes by me.  Engine sounds by Charles Fox.  PSA livery by Henry William.
visual_damage=1                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          


[General]
atc_type=BOEING
atc_model=B722
editable=0
performance=Cruise Speed: M0.788 @ FL270-390\nMaximum Range: 1,930 nm\nService Ceiling: 39,000 ft\nEmpty Weight: 97,770 lbs\nFuel Weight: 54,203 lbs (8,090 US Gal) \nMax Takeoff Weight: 190,500 lbs\nMax Landing Weight: 161,000 lbs\nVmo\/Mmo: 375kts\/M0.91\n                  ( <FL100\/>FL100\/Mach)\nClimb:           250kts\/300kts\/M0.76\nMax Cruise:  250kts\/350kts\/M0.82\nDescent:       250kts\/280kts\/M0.77


[pitot_static]
vertical_speed_time_constant=50


[WEIGHT_AND_BALANCE]
;;;;;max_gross_weight=190500  // pounds
;
;     The maximum gross weight has been increased to 246,160 pounds to accomodate the additional fuel
;     required for a (westbound) FAA-compliant 4000 nm trip against a 100-knot headwind at 41,000 feet.
;     (The presumed payload is 29,230 pounds.)
;
max_gross_weight=260000  // pounds
empty_weight=97770       // pounds

reference_datum_position=0.000, 0.000, 0.000 // (feet) distance from FlightSim Reference position, which is: (1/4 chord, centerline, waterline)
;;;;;empty_weight_CG_position=1.826, 0.000, 1.908 // (feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from specified datum
empty_weight_CG_position= 0, 0, 0 // (feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from specified datum



max_number_of_stations=9

station_load.0=    "190.0,   68.170, -1.206,  4.683, Pilot"              
station_load.1 =   "190.0,   68.170,  1.206,  4.683, First Officer"
station_load.2 =   "190.0,   64.527,  0.000,  4.683, Flt Engineer"         
station_load.3 =   "260.0,   60.191, -1.895,  4.683, 2-Flt Attendant"        
station_load.4 =  "3900.0,   43.539,  0.000,  4.683, 20-1st Cls Pax"        
station_load.5 = "22230.0,    5.724,  0.000,  4.683, 114-Coach Pax"
station_load.6 =   "260.0,  -28.794,  0.000,  4.683, 2-Flt Attendant"     
station_load.7 =   "935.8,   33.998,  0.000, -0.347, Forward Cargo"
station_load.8=   "1074.2,  -16.826,  0.000, -0.347, Aft Cargo"





;Moments of Inertia
;
;;;;;empty_weight_pitch_MOI=9539093
;;;;;empty_weight_roll_MOI=5032598
;;;;;empty_weight_yaw_MOI=8809559
;
;
;
;
;
;     Experiments showed that the following values improve aircraft
;     dynamic stability ...
;
empty_weight_pitch_MOI= 15000000
empty_weight_roll_MOI=   3000000
empty_weight_yaw_MOI=    9000000
;
empty_weight_coupled_MOI=0





[flight_tuning]
;;;;;cruise_lift_scalar=1.000
;;;;;parasite_drag_scalar=0.815
;;;;;induced_drag_scalar=1.154
;;;;;elevator_effectiveness=1.000
;;;;;aileron_effectiveness=1.000
;;;;;rudder_effectiveness=1.000
;;;;;pitch_stability=1.000
;;;;;roll_stability=1.000
;;;;;yaw_stability=1.000
;;;;;elevator_trim_effectiveness=1.000
;;;;;aileron_trim_effectiveness=1.000
;;;;;rudder_trim_effectiveness=1.000
;
;
;
;
;
;     The indicated lift, form drag and induced drag scalars allow the aircraft
;     to land with roughly 10,000 pounds of fuel remaining at the shutdown gate
;     when the 1900nm SLVR-SKBO trip is flown at FL350 at .78M.  Thus the useful
;     range of the aircraft is around 1900nm = 2150sm.  (After generally light
;     tailwinds We arrive at the BOG VOR at 14,000 feet with about 12,000 pounds
;     of fuel remaining.  The approach consumed about 2,000 pounds.)
;
;     On the SLVR-SKBO trip, at FL350/.78M, at beginning-of-descent 100nm
;     short of the BOG VOR, the fuel consumption is around 8500 pounds per
;     hour.  Thus the fuel reserve of 10,000 pounds is good for around
;     10,000/8500 = 1.15 hours of flight or around 630nm/725sm at 550 KIAS
;     at FL350.  Given that the FAA requires fuel sufficient for 45 minutes
;     of flight at normal cruise at an alternate airport, this leaves roughly
;     1.15-0.75 ==> .40x550 = 220nm/250sm as the maximum permissible distance
;     from a full-useful-range primary to an alternate.
;
;     On the SLVR-SKBO trip, with a cruise climb to 41,000 feet we arrive at
;     BOG at 14,000 feet with around 13,500 pounds of fuel remaining.  Fuel
;     remaining at the shutdown gate was not recorded but probably was around
;     12,000 pounds.  That only 1,500 pounds was consumed in the approach was
;     due to a shorter approach being flown, with flaps applied much later in
;     the game.
;
;     In practice the nominal high altitude cruise should be 0.78M at FL390.
;     On a trip from KEWR to KLAX against strong headwinds we flew 2100nm,
;     arriving at the gate with 4200 pounds fuel remaining, enough for another
;     250 miles of flight at FL390 at a nominal fuel consumption of 7500 pounds
;     per hour.  At FL410 we arrived with 7900 pounds at a rate of 7000 pounds
;     per hour, enough for another 500 miles.
;
;     Thus at FL410/0.78M we arrive at LAX with the ability to have flown another
;     170 miles and then held for 45 minutes, very close to being able to double
;     back to Las Vegas.
;
cruise_lift_scalar=1.000    // <-- 1800sm/FL350  2400-2600sm/FL390.
parasite_drag_scalar=0.800  // <-- 1800sm/FL350  2400-2600sm/FL390.
induced_drag_scalar=0.900   // <-- 1800sm/FL350  2400-2600sm/FL390.
;
;
;
;
;
;     The indicated control surface effectiveness settings are what is required
;     for realistic and stable handling under the control of AirBoss 0788 final.
;     Note that these are with the elevator MOI set to 15,000,000 and with the
;     frame rate locked to 10 with simple clouds and all sliders to the right.
;
elevator_effectiveness=6.000
aileron_effectiveness=1.000
rudder_effectiveness=5.000
;
pitch_stability=6.000
roll_stability=1.000
yaw_stability=1.000
;
elevator_trim_effectiveness=4.00
aileron_trim_effectiveness=1.000
rudder_trim_effectiveness=1.000





[GeneralEngineData]
engine_type=1                     // 0=Piston, 1=Jet, 2=None, 3=Helo-Turbine, 4=Rocket, 5=Turboprop
Engine.0=-43.018, -8.958, 5.551   // (feet) longitudinal, lateral, vertical distance from reference datum
Engine.1 =-60.711,  0.000, 5.030
Engine.2=-43.018, 8.958, 5.551
;;;;;fuel_flow_scalar=1.941       // Scalar for fuel flow efficiency
fuel_flow_scalar=1.350            // <-- 1800sm/FL350  2400-2600sm/FL390.
min_throttle_limit=-0.500         //Minimum percent throttle.  Generally negative for turbine reverser
max_contrail_temperature=-30

[SMOKESYSTEM]
smoke.0=5.551, -58.018,-8.958, smoke_jt8d                
smoke.1=5.030, -75.711, 0.000, smoke_jt8d
smoke.2=5.551, -58.018, 8.958, smoke_jt8d

[TurbineEngineData]
fuel_flow_gain=0.002    // Gain on fuel flow
inlet_area=9.852        // Square Feet, engine nacelle inlet area
rated_N2_rpm=12250      // RPM, second stage compressor rated value
static_thrust=17400     // Lbs, max rated static thrust at Sea Level
afterburner_available=0
reverser_available=1

[jet_engine]
thrust_scalar=1.000

[electrical]
;BusType, MaxAmpLoad, MinVoltage       BusTypes:0=MainBus,1=AvionicsBus,2=BatteryBus,3=HotBatteryBus,4-7=Generator/AlternatorBus(1-4)
max_battery_voltage=28
generator_alternator_voltage=28
max_generator_alternator_amps=60
engine_generator_map=1,1,1
electric_always_available=1
autopilot=0, 5, 17
avionics_bus=0, 10, 17
avionics=1, 5, 17
pitot_heat=0, 15, 17
additional_system=0, 20, 17
marker_beacon=1, 2, 17
gear_warning=0, 2, 17
fuel_pump=0, 5, 17
starter1=0, 20, 17
starter2=0, 20, 17
starter3=0, 20, 17
light_nav=0, 5, 17
light_beacon=0, 5, 17
light_landing=0, 5, 17
light_taxi=0, 5, 17
light_strobe=0, 5, 17
light_panel=0, 5, 17
auto_brakes=0, 15, 17
hydraulic_pump=0, 2, 17
fuel_transfer_pump=0, 5, 17
        
[contact_points]
        //0  Class                        <0=none,1=wheel, 2=scrape, 3=float>
        //1  Longitudinal Position        (feet)
        //2  Lateral Position             (feet)
        //3  Vertical Position            (feet)
        //4  Impact Damage Threshold      (Feet Per Minute)
        //5  Brake Map                    (0=None, 1=Left, 2=Right)
        //6  Wheel Radius                 (feet)
        //7  Steer Angle                  (degrees)
        //8  Static Compression           (feet)  (0 if rigid)
        //9  Max/Static Compression Ratio
        //10 Damping Ratio                (0=Undamped, 1=Critically Damped)
        //11 Extension Time               (seconds)
        //12 Retraction Time              (seconds)
        //13 Sound Type
        //14 Airspeed limit for retraction     (KIAS)
        //15 Airspeed that gear gets damage at (KIAS)

point.0=1.000, 60.648, 0.000, -7.750, 1056.000, 0.000, 1.333, 50.000, 0.500, 3.500, 0.750, 8.000, 8.000, 0.000, 0.000, 270.000
point.1=1.000, -2.602, -9.375, -8.530, 1320.000, 1.000, 2.083, 0.000, 1.000, 1.500, 0.990, 8.200, 8.200, 2.000, 0.000, 270.000
point.2=1.000, -2.602, 9.375, -8.530, 1320.000, 2.000, 2.083, 0.000, 1.000, 1.500, 0.990, 8.200, 8.200, 3.000, 0.000, 270.000
point.3=2.000, 63.140, 0.000, -2.775, 60.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 4.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.4=2.000, 0.000, 0.000, -3.469, 60.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 4.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.5=2.000, -35.386, 0.000, -1.387, 60.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 9.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.6=2.000, -21.189, -52.715, 0.688, 60.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 5.000, 0.000, 0.000
point.7=2.000, -21.189, 52.715, 0.688, 60.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 6.000, 0.000, 0.000

max_number_of_points=8

static_pitch=-0.745
static_cg_height=8.300
gear_system_type=1      // Hydraulic


[gear_warning_system]
gear_warning_available=1  // Normal
pct_throttle_limit=0.050  // Percent throttle that activates warning
flap_limit_idle=15.5      // Flap angle that activates warning at idle
flap_limit_power=25.5     // Flap angle that activates warning at above idle

[brakes]
parking_brake=1           // Parking brake available
toe_brakes_scale=0.550    // Brake scalar


[hydraulic_system]
normal_pressure = 3000   // PSI
electric_pumps=0         // No electric pumps
engine_map=1,1,1,0       // Pumps on #1,#2,#3 engines.

[Views]
eyepoint=68.170, -1.206, 5.898





;;;;;[Flaps.0]  //Sets initial trailing drag, lift, and visuals
;;;;;type=1
;;;;;span-outboard=0.800
;;;;;extending-time=30.000
;;;;;flaps-position.0=0.000
;;;;;flaps-position.1=2.000
;;;;;flaps-position.2=5.000
;;;;;flaps-position.3=15.000
;;;;;flaps-position.4=20.000
;;;;;flaps-position.5=25.000
;;;;;flaps-position.6=30.000
;;;;;flaps-position.7=40.000
;;;;;damaging-speed=250.000
;;;;;blowout-speed=300.000
;;;;;lift_scalar=0.500
;;;;;drag_scalar=0.250
;;;;pitch_scalar=0.000
;;;;;system_type=1
;
;
[Flaps.0]            ; This set of flaps does the visuals, because the
type=1                ; lift and drag scalars are both zero.
span-outboard=0.800
extending-time=20.000
flaps-position.0=0
flaps-position.1=2
flaps-position.2=5
flaps-position.3=15
flaps-position.4=20
flaps-position.5=25
flaps-position.6=30
flaps-position.7=40
damaging-speed=250
blowout-speed=300
lift_scalar=0
drag_scalar=0
pitch_scalar=0
system_type=1





;;;;;[Flaps.1]  //Adjusts trailing drag factors
;;;;;type=1
;;;;;span-outboard=0.800
;;;;;extending-time=30.000
;;;;;flaps-position.0=0.000
;;;;;flaps-position.1=4.435
;;;;;flaps-position.2=2.779
;;;;;flaps-position.3=10.623
;;;;;flaps-position.4=25.389
;;;;;flaps-position.5=48.874
;;;;;flaps-position.6=91.302
;;;;;flaps-position.7=185.320
;;;;;damaging-speed=250.000
;;;;;blowout-speed=300.000
;;;;;lift_scalar=0.000
;;;;;drag_scalar=0.250
;;;;;pitch_scalar=0.000
;;;;;system_type=1
;
;
[Flaps.1]              ; This set of flaps does no visuals and instead
type=1                ; treats lift.
;
;  In the comments below the asterisked values are the ones used in flight since these
;  result in relatively stable engine thrust.  The unmarked values are FS flight model
;  outliers and no attempt is made to use those settings.
;
span-outboard=0.800
extending-time=20.000
flaps-position.0=5        ; *270/0    -> 3200, *240/0 ----> 3000,  *220/0 -> 2800
flaps-position.1=15        ; *200/2    -> 3000
flaps-position.2=25        ; *180/5    -> 2900
flaps-position.3=50        ; *160/15   -> 3200,  160/15/G -> 2400,      *140/15 --------> 3500
flaps-position.4=50        ;  160/20   -> 3500,  160/20/G -> 2800
flaps-position.5=50        ;  160/25   -> 3500,  160/25/G -> 2700
flaps-position.6=50        ;  160/30   -> 3800, *160/30/G/1000 -> 2500, *140/30/G/1000 -> 2500
flaps-position.7=60        ;  160/40   -> 4400,  160/40/G/1000 -> 3200, *140/40/G/1000 -> 2300
damaging-speed=250
blowout-speed=300
lift_scalar=1
drag_scalar=0
pitch_scalar=0
system_type=1





;;;;;[Flaps.2]  //Adjusts trailing lift factors
;;;;;type=1
;;;;;span-outboard=0.800
;;;;;extending-time=30.000
;;;;;lift_scalar=0.800
;;;;;drag_scalar=0.000
;;;;;pitch_scalar=0.000
;;;;;flaps-position.0=0.000
;;;;;flaps-position.1=5.900
;;;;;flaps-position.2=5.750
;;;;;flaps-position.3=4.783
;;;;;flaps-position.4=8.762
;;;;;flaps-position.5=11.003
;;;;;flaps-position.6=14.831
;;;;;flaps-position.7=22.851
;;;;;damaging-speed=250.000
;;;;;blowout-speed=300.000
;;;;;lift_scalar=0.500
;;;;;drag_scalar=0.000
;;;;;pitch_scalar=0.000
;;;;;system_type=1
;
;
[Flaps.2]              ; This set of flaps does no visuals and instead
type=1                ; treats drag.
span-outboard=0.800
extending-time=20.000
flaps-position.0=5
flaps-position.1=5
flaps-position.2=5
flaps-position.3=-75
flaps-position.4=5
flaps-position.5=5
flaps-position.6=10
flaps-position.7=10
damaging-speed=250
blowout-speed=300
lift_scalar=0
drag_scalar=1
pitch_scalar=0
system_type=1





;;;;;[Flaps.3]  //Sets leading visual graphics
;;;;;type=2
;;;;;span-outboard=0.800
;;;;;extending-time=6.000
;;;;;flaps-position.0=0.000, 0.000
;;;;;flaps-position.1=1.000, 0.000
;;;;;flaps-position.2=2.000, 0.000
;;;;;damaging-speed=250.000
;;;;;blowout-speed=300.000
;;;;;lift_scalar=0.000
;;;;;drag_scalar=0.000
;;;;;pitch_scalar=0.000
;;;;;system_type=1
;
;
[Flaps.3]  //Sets leading visual graphics
type=2
span-outboard=0.800
extending-time=6.000
flaps-position.0=0.000, 0.000
flaps-position.1=1.000, 0.000
flaps-position.2=2.000, 0.000
damaging-speed=250.000
blowout-speed=300.000
lift_scalar=0.000
drag_scalar=0.000
pitch_scalar=0.000
system_type=1





[Radios]
// Radio Type=availiable, standby frequency, has glide slope
Audio.1=1
Com.1=1, 0
Com.2=1, 0
Nav.1=1, 0, 1
Nav.2=1, 0, 0
Adf.1=1
Adf.2=1            ; Adf.2 added by mpm for the CS panel.
Transponder.1=1
Marker.1=1

[LIGHTS]      
//Types: 1=beacon, 2=strobe, 3=navigation, 4=cockpit, 5=landing
light.0=3, -81.00, 0.00, 24.60, fx_navwhi ,
light.1=2, -81.00, 0.00, 24.60, fx_strobe ,
light.2=4, 72.60, -1.80, 6.35, fx_vclight ,
light.3=4, 72.60,  1.80, 6.35, fx_vclight ,
light.4=1,   8.00,  0.00, -3.50, fx_beaconb ,
light.5=1, 37.70, 0.00, 11.80, fx_beaconh ,

[keyboard_response]      
// Breakpoint speeds (knots) on the keyboard increments of control surfaces.
// Speed at which the increment is reduced to  1/2 and 1/8 respectively.
;;;;;elevator=150, 250   
;;;;;aileron=150, 250
;;;;;rudder=150, 250
elevator=50, 350   
aileron=50, 350
rudder=50, 350

[direction_indicators]
//1 Type: 0=None, 1=Vacuum Gyro, 2=Electric Gyro, 3=Electro-Mag Slaved Compass, 4=Slaved to another
//2 Indicator number of slaving indicator if Type = 4
;;;;;direction_indicator.0=2
direction_indicator.0=3,0

[attitude_indicators]
//Type: 0=None, 1=Vacuum Gyro, 2=Electric Gyro
attitude_indicator.0=2

[turn_indicators]
//Type: 0=None, 1=Electric Gyro, 2= Vacuum Gyro
turn_indicator.0=1,0

[exits]
number_of_exits=2
exit_rate.0=0.4                               ;Percent per second
exit_rate.1=0.4                               ;Percent per second

[TailHook]        //landing lights (normally shift+T)
tailhook_length=    4
tailhook_position=    0.0, 0.0, 0.0
cable_force_adjust=    0.5

[folding_wings]        //Airstairs (normally shift+F)
wing_fold_system_type=    4
fold_rates=        0.110,0.110

[EFFECTS]
wake=fx_wake
water=fx_spray
dirt=fx_tchdrt
concrete=fx_sparks
touchdown=fx_tchdwn, 1
visual_damage=1
windshield_rain_effect_available = 1

[autopilot]
autopilot_available=1
flight_director_available=1
default_vertical_speed=100
autothrottle_available=1
autothrottle_arming_required=0
autothrottle_max_rpm=99
autothrottle_takeoff_ga=1
pitch_takeoff_ga=8
max_pitch=10.0
max_pitch_acceleration=1.5
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt=2.0
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt=1.5
max_pitch_velocity_lo_alt_breakpoint=20000.0
max_pitch_velocity_hi_alt_breakpoint=28000.0
max_bank=25.0
max_bank_acceleration=1.8
max_bank_velocity=3.00
max_throttle_rate=0.10





;;;;;nav_proportional_control=12.00
;;;;;nav_integrator_control=0.25
;;;;;nav_derivative_control=0.00
;;;;;nav_integrator_boundary=2.50
;;;;;nav_derivative_boundary=0.00
;;;;;gs_proportional_control=25.0
;;;;;gs_integrator_control=0.53
;;;;;gs_derivative_control=0.00
;;;;;gs_integrator_boundary=0.70
;;;;;gs_derivative_boundary=0.00
;
;
;
;
;
;
;     Drastic changes were required here, the result being
;     good performance with the Probst autopilot subsystem.
;
//nav_proportional_control=25.00
//nav_integrator_control=20.00
//nav_derivative_control=10.00
//nav_integrator_boundary=0.00
//nav_derivative_boundary=0.00
nav_proportional_control=20.00
nav_integrator_control=0.00
nav_derivative_control=0.00
nav_integrator_boundary=0.00
nav_derivative_boundary=0.00
;
gs_proportional_control=50.0
gs_integrator_control=0.00
gs_derivative_control=0.00
gs_integrator_boundary=0.00
gs_derivative_boundary=0.00
//gs_proportional_control=20.0
//gs_integrator_control=0.00
//gs_derivative_control=0.00
//gs_integrator_boundary=0.00
//gs_derivative_boundary=0.00
;
yaw_damper_gain=1.00
use_no_default_bank=1
default_pitch_mode=0
default_bank_mode=0


;;;;;[fuel]  //8090 US Gallons Total
;;;;;Center1=10.851, 0.000, -0.520, 4530.000, 0.000 //Longitudinal (feet), Lateral (feet), Vertical (feet), Usable(gallons), ;;;;;Unusable (gallons)
;;;;;LeftMain=5.685, -16.710, 0.000, 1780.000, 0.000
;;;;;RightMain=5.685, 16.710, 0.000, 1780.000, 0.000
;
;
;     We have increased fuel capacity to 119,160 pounds = 17,784 gallons in order to give the aircraft
;     an FAA-dispatch-compliant range of 4000 against a headwind of 100 knots at all altitudes.  (For
;     comparison, the FSC flight plan distance between Parkis and JFK is roughly 3600 nm.)  See the doc files
;     for the calculations, which are intended to leave 14,000 pounds in the tanks upon shutdown at the
;     destination gate of the primary airport, or 11,000 upon shutdown at an alternate that is 250 nm away
;     from the primary, the 11,250 being sufficient for 45 minutes of cruise at 15,000 pounds per hour
;     (low altitude cruise).
;
[fuel]
Center1=10.851, 0.000, -5.20, 0, 0
LeftMain=5.685, -16.710, 0.000, 9330, 0
RightMain=5.685, 16.710, 0.000, 9330, 0
fuel_type=2                //Fuel type: 1 = Avgas, 2 = JetA
number_of_tank_selectors=1                    
electric_pump=0


[airplane_geometry]
wing_area=1650.000                 // Square feet
wing_span=108.000                  // Feet
wing_root_chord=25.151             // Feet
;;;;;wing_dihedral=3.000           // Degrees
wing_dihedral=0.000                // Degrees
wing_incidence=2.000               // Degrees
wing_twist=-0.500                  // Degrees
oswald_efficiency_factor=0.800     // Measure of lift effeciency of wing
wing_winglets_flag=0               // Are winglets available?
wing_sweep=32.000                  // Degrees, wing leading edge
wing_pos_apex_lon=24.118           // Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
wing_pos_apex_vert=0.867           // Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
htail_area=376.000                 // Square feet
htail_span=35.761                  // Feet
htail_pos_lon=-55.471              // Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
htail_pos_vert=24.284              // Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
htail_incidence=0.000              // Degrees
htail_sweep=42.000                 // Degrees, horizontal tail leading edge
vtail_area=290.000                 // Square feet
vtail_span=15.092                  // Feet, tip to body
vtail_sweep=57.000                 // Degrees, vertical tail leading edge
vtail_pos_lon=-32.784              // Feet, longitudinal distance from reference point, negative going aft
vtail_pos_vert=10.755              // Feet, vertical distance from reference point, positive going up
elevator_area=107.996              // Square feet
aileron_area=67.404                // Square feet
rudder_area=66.171                 // Square feet
elevator_up_limit=27.000           // Degrees
elevator_down_limit=17.000         // Degrees
aileron_up_limit=17.000            // Degrees
aileron_down_limit=17.000          // Degrees
rudder_limit=25.000                // Degrees
elevator_trim_limit=9.500          // Degrees
;;;;;spoiler_limit=60.000          // Degrees
spoiler_limit=40.000               // Degrees
spoilerons_available=1             // Spoilerons Available?
aileron_to_spoileron_gain=3.000    // Aileron to spoileron gain
min_ailerons_for_spoilerons=10.000 // Degrees
min_flaps_for_spoilerons=0.000     // Minimum flap handle position when spoilerons activate

[Reference Speeds]
flaps_up_stall_speed=146.000       // Knots True (KTAS)
full_flaps_stall_speed=122.000     // Knots True (KTAS)
cruise_speed=488.000               // Knots True (KTAS)
max_mach=0.910
max_indicated_speed=375.000        // Red line (KIAS)

[forcefeedback]
gear_bump_nose_magnitude=3000           ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_nose_direction=18000          ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_nose_duration=250000          ; in microseconds
gear_bump_left_magnitude=2700           ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_left_direction=35500          ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_left_duration=250000          ; in microseconds
gear_bump_right_magnitude=2700          ; 0 - 10000
gear_bump_right_direction=00500         ; 0 - 35999 degrees
gear_bump_right_duration=250000         ; in microseconds
ground_bumps_magnitude1=1300            ; 0 - 10000
ground_bumps_angle1=08900               ; 0 - 35999 degrees
ground_bumps_intercept1=3.0
ground_bumps_slope1=0.20
ground_bumps_magnitude2=200             ; 0 - 10000
ground_bumps_angle2=09100               ; 0 - 35999 degrees
ground_bumps_intercept2=1.075
ground_bumps_slope2=0.035
crash_magnitude1=10000                  ; 0 - 10000
crash_direction1=01000                  ; 0 - 35999 degrees
crash_magnitude2=10000                  ; 0 - 10000
crash_direction2=9000                   ; 0 - 35999 degrees
crash_period2=75000                     ; in microseconds
crash_duration2=2500000                 ; in microseconds

[stall_warning]
type=2
 
 
 

The first screenshot shows the main panel. Let's call it shot 001. As you can see, the panel is very complex. Yet I've made it look neat and tidy so that for me personally it's not cluttered at all. I known where everything is, I know what everything does, and with one exception (airspeed) a classic instrument scan is easily done.




The second screenshot, 002, shows the custom minipanel. No, it's not realistic. Yes, I like it in place of the usual panel landing view. I also use it for sightseeing, letting the AP hold altitude while I navigate via manual roll control.



The third shot, 003, shows the Probst FE overhead panel which I use to access pitot heat etc.



Shot 004 revisits the main panel, but this time the weather radar, the TAWS and the Garmin G430 have all been enlarged (they are independently selectable popups). I almost never pop up anything but the TAWS, which is invaluable when flying VFR approaches into mountain airports under less than CAVU conditions ...



Finally, 005 revisits the minipanel. However, this time the Probst ADI has been overlaid by a popup of the CS FD, and the Abacus EZ-GPS has been popped up showing 100nm range. The CS FD is deliberately large, this being the panel configuration I use when hand flying FD approaches in instrument conditions.



Does anyone have any immediate questions? If not I'll begin with a discussion of the main panel, element by element.

 

EDIT:  I see the thread has been moved to the FS2004 forum.  That's fine but the principles used in this admittedly FS2004 aircraft apply to any version of FS.  Fewer people will see it here but I'm okay with that.

Oh my!!!!!!!!!

Oh my!!!!!!!!!

Some people build furniture for a hobby. I still write C code just for the halibut, and I customize the aircraft.cfg and panel.cfg of every aircraft that I touch. It's a compulsion -- I can't stand not having things MY way.

 

The 727 is my opus magnus. It's what I learned aircraft.cfg/panel.cfg stuff from. It took me ... well ... from 2004 through 2011 to bring it to the state you see above. Seven long years and in a very real sense it's still not finished. (It's like writing a novel. You never finish it, you simply abandon it.)

 

But I haven't touched an aircraft in two years, just as I haven't picked up my camera in two years, nor have I touched brush to watercolor paper. My only acts of creation these days are writing this, that and the other thing. (But now that I think of it, I should bring the camera to FANCON. I feel a story for http://www.Lexonaut.com coming on.)

 

Those things said, I'm going to repeat my earlier-planned Heathrow-LAX flight beginning this evening. I'll be surprised if I don't find SOMEthing I want to change, if only my custom no-brainer fuel+reserves formula ... ...

 

... ... Okay, I'll riff on that ... ...

 

I break the flight down into four phases, making a Kentucky windage single number for wind direction and velocity covering the entire trip ...

 

1 - Combined taxiing at the departure and destination airports, as well as descent and landing. For all these things I allow a total of 4,000 pounds of fuel.

 

2 - Mach climb to initial cruising altitude.

 

3 - Cruise climb to final cruising altitude.

 

4 - Cruise to descent point.

 

To this I add a requirement for 250 miles of low altitude cruise to an alternate airport. For this I use a flat 10,000 pounds.

 

With that as background, here's the formula ...

 

Required fuel in pounds is ...

 

14,000

+

(
[150/(350 +- effective wind vector)
*
15,000
)

+

(
[(Cdist-150)/(450 +- effective wind vector)]
*12,000
)

+
(
[ (D - Cdist) / (TAS +- effective wind vector)]
*
cruise fuel burn rate
)

where the following definitions apply ...

Total distance   <750 nm   <1200 nm     >1200 nm
Cruise altitude   35,000    37,000      39,000 to 41,000
TAS                  455       450         440
Cdist (climb dist)   250       400         750
TOC burn rate       9600      9000        8400
TOD burn rate       8600      8000        7400

I'm too lazy to do a spreadsheet. I just put the numbers on an index card for use as a howgozit during the flight.

 

To each his own.

I haven't taken off yet though I'm about to. I have the sim paused all night, my having taxiied to the hold-short line of the active runway, with just a few items remaining on my pre-takeoff checklist.

 

My formula above called for 117,250 pounds of fuel against a 24-knot headwind. If everything goes well I will shut down at the gate at LAX with 10,000 pounds remaining in the tanks. We shall see what we shall see.